Image: Student work, Nathan Bateman
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Today is a bittersweet day. We are on the final leg of our journey into the unknown with technology integration into the classroom. After 8 weeks of hard work, I am pregnant with thoughts, ideas, and hopes for the future of education in my classroom, the school, and beyond. In my own classroom today, I dove headfirst into actually incorporating technology into an assignment for my students. And the results...
First period was a debacle. Because everyone seems to be using the computer on campus these days, I could not find a place to take my kids so they would have computer access. When I finally decided upon the library, we discovered problem upon problem. Students couldn't log in using their username, once they got to the website they couldn't see it, some needed to download a plugin, etc. Finally by the end of class, we had things under control and we actually got some work completed.
Although first period was a disaster, every class thereafter was exponentially better. Some students were so excited about the assignment that they completed it the night before. I used these students to help others and what do you know, we had actually peer learning! In addition, students were actively engaged and I did not have to tell one student all day long to 'do the right thing' . They were all so into the assignment they just worked. What?
For one day, I felt what can only be described as a 'Teacher Christmas'. Students were engaged, asking great questions, helping each other, and learning. Also, my teaching style changed drastically. I could be myself with the students. I learned more about some of them in today's class than I have all year. Some students who have not even uttered a phrase were actively participating. It was surreal.
I also learned a few things about the way we are doing things- they don't work as well anymore. The current way of doing things- teacher at the front, students in rows copying doesn't work anymore. Especially when you compare it to collaborative or creative learning in which the student plays an active role for his or her self. It is education as it should be.
All in all, these 8 weeks have been some of the most important for my professional development as a teacher. While we are in the middle of thinds and nowhere near the end, there is a lot we can use at this point. All is calm now, but round two, three, four, five are just ahead.
